Thoughts on “The Cult of Trump”
The political chaos is increasing and it’s hard to make sense of, so I thought I would give you my perception of what’s happening. Ever since Bernie lost the Democratic nomination for president in 2016, I have been following federal politics closely. If you recall, Bernie’s message was (and still is) that the rich have way too much power in our federal government, and most politicians work for their donors, not regular constituents.
This explains why so few of our representatives in Congress are speaking up during this coup. Our representative in the House, Jimmy Panetta, has hardly made a squeak about, for instance, martial law in L.A. and D.C. and the cuts to rural hospitals, which could cause Watsonville Hospital to close.
I am an advocate for Bernie’s policies of Medicare for all, a living wage, and more taxes on the rich, but I have also tried really hard to LISTEN to Trump supporters over the last nine years to help them understand that universal health care and a living wage—as most countries in Europe have had for years—will be good for them.
Over the years I have met with several over lunch, invited one to my home, and met with one on Zoom four times. Not a single one has been able to concede that Trump was ever wrong about anything. When confronted with facts, science, or the Constitution, they consistently change the subject to Hillary, Obama, Biden, etc.
One group of Trump supporters that is completely intransigent is the radical evangelicals. Associated with the New Apostolic Reformation, they believe that Trump, although flawed, is hastening the arrival of “The Rapture,” when Jesus returns and the world will end in fire (for all who have not been “saved”—like me).
A second hardcore group of Trump supporters is described by Dr. Steven Hassan, a psychologist and cult expert, in his book “The Cult of Trump.” Dr. Hassan has specialized for 30 years in helping cult members break their chains. Dr. Hassan says “Trump lies constantly, has no conscience, never admits when he is wrong, and projects all of his shortcomings on to others. He has become more authoritarian, more outrageous, and yet many of his followers remain blindly devoted.”
At its core, MAGA does not believe in majority rule (democracy). Trump’s popularity is waning, which some find reassuring, but when less than 40% of the people agree with what their government is doing, we can no longer call that a democracy.
Mr. Trump is all about himself and his power. He has sold the power of the presidency of the United States to Saudia Arabia, radical evangelicals, Israel, homophobes, many convicted felons (pardoning them with no consideration of the normal pardon process) the mega-rich, racists, Russia, the tech moguls, and anyone who does “favors” for him.
These are the influences that control our federal government now, and of course their diverse goals are often incompatible, which creates chaos in itself, but the incompetence that comes with hiring people based on what they can do for you, not their ability to do the job, means that we have many federal agencies (i.e. the Justice Department, CDC, and the EPA) now controlled by dishonest, corrupt people who never went through the normal vetting process with the Senate.
Did you notice that ICE is hiring and they have “reduced the entrance requirements?” Remember Mr. Trump saying to the January 6 insurrectionists “Stand down and stand by?” So now the Proud Boys, the Oath Keepers and other militias are being deputized as federal law enforcement agents.
Mr. Trump has what you might call an “anti-management” style: create chaos and survive. The US economy will be his fifth bankruptcy.
We are undergoing a coup of our federal government, and we are now in the stage of Trump-created chaos.
As long as a third of our country believes Trump over science, facts and the constitution, we are in deep trouble, so the biggest issue is how to reach them, to help them understand they are voting against their own interests.
Don Eggleston
Aptos
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Local teen helps elderly driver during morning rush hour
On Sept. 9, a heartwarming act of kindness stood out along the busy intersection of Casserly Road and Highway 152 near the Valero gas station. Thanmay Sarath, a high school junior at Monte Vista Christian School, was on his way to class when he noticed an elderly woman in her 70s struggling with a burst tire. Despite asking several drivers for help during the morning rush, no one had stopped. Thanmay, knowing his choice might make him late for school, chose compassion over convenience. He quickly changed the damaged tire, replaced it with the spare, and ensured the woman could safely continue on her way. When she offered him money in gratitude, Thanmay politely declined, encouraging her instead to put it toward buying a new tire. As one bystander put it, “I approached to help after seeing a teenager working on the tire, but by then he had already finished the job.” This good deed reflects the values that Monte Vista Christian School instills in its students—empathy, service, and character alongside academics and athletics. Credit is also due to his family for raising a young man who shows such respect and care for others. It’s not every day that we see young people go out of their way to help strangers, and Thanmay’s actions serve as a reminder that kindness is alive and well in our community.
James Gill
Watsonville
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The Tragic Loss of Charlie Kirk
It is with great sorrow and heavy hearts that we mourn the devastating loss of Charlie Kirk, a fearless champion of conservative values, a devoted patriot, and an exceptional voice for America’s youth. Gunned down in a heinous act of political violence at Utah Valley University, Charlie’s life was cut short at just 31, leaving behind his beloved wife, Erika, their two young children, and a nation forever changed by his unwavering dedication to truth and freedom.
Charlie was the embodiment of the American spirit—bold, unapologetic, and relentlessly committed to defending the principles that make this country great. Through Turning Point USA, which he co-founded at the age of 18, he ignited a movement that empowered countless young Americans to embrace conservative ideals, stand firm in their convictions, and engage in the battle of ideas with courage and clarity. His “Prove Me Wrong” debates on college campuses were a testament to his commitment to open discourse, challenging the left’s narratives with facts, reason, and a passion that inspired millions.
This cowardly assassination is not just an attack on Charlie but an assault on the very ideals he stood for: free expression, individual liberty, and the right to dissent without fear. As conservatives, we must honor his legacy by redoubling our commitment to these principles. We will not be silenced. We will not cower. We will carry forward Charlie’s mission to restore America’s greatness, ensuring his sacrifice was not in vain.
Our prayers are with Erika, their children, and the entire Kirk family during this unimaginable time of grief. We also lift up the Turning Point USA community and all those touched by Charlie. May God grant him eternal rest, and may we, in his memory, continue to fight for the America he loved so dearly.
Mike Lelieur
Santa Cruz County Republican Party- Chairman
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